Video encoding method, video encoding device, video decoding method and video decoding device

ABSTRACT

A moving picture coding method including: determining whether or not (a) a picture including a co-located block and (b) a current picture to be coded are included in a same view, the co-located block being a block that is included in a picture different from the current picture and is at a position corresponding to a position of a current block to be coded included in the current picture; adjusting the position of the co-located block when the picture including the co-located block and the current picture are included in different views; and adding to the list an entry including a motion vector derived from the co-located block, wherein the adjusting includes: obtaining a disparity vector between the view including the picture including the co-located block and the view including the current picture; and adjusting the position of the co-located block by the obtained disparity vector.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a moving picture coding method and amoving picture decoding method.

BACKGROUND ART

In moving picture coding, the quantity of information is generallyreduced using redundancy of moving pictures in spatial and temporaldirections. Here, a method using the redundancy in the spatial directionis represented by transform into frequency domain. A method using theredundancy in the temporal direction is represented by inter-pictureprediction (hereinafter referred to as “inter prediction”) coding. Inthe inter prediction coding, when a current block to be coded includedin a current picture to be coded is coded, at least one coded picturepreceding or following the current picture in display time order areused as a reference picture. Then, a motion vector is derived throughmotion estimation of the current block with respect to the referencepicture. Subsequently, the redundancy in the temporal direction isremoved by calculating a difference between input image data of thecurrent block and prediction image data of the current block resultingfrom motion compensation based on the derived motion vector (see NonPatent Literature (NPL) 1, for instance).

CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature

[NPL 1] ITU-T Recommendation H.264, Advanced video coding for genericaudiovisual services, March 2010

[NPL 2] HEVC WD4: Working Draft 4 of High-Efficiency Video Coding JointCollaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC) of ITU-T SG16 WP3 andISO/IEC JTC1/SC29/WG11 6th Meeting: Torino, IT, 14-22 Jul. 2011,Document: JCVC-F803_d2

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

It is desired to further increase coding efficiency in the conventionalinter prediction coding.

In view of this, the present invention provides a moving picture codingmethod which makes it possible to increase coding efficiency.

Solution to Problem

A moving picture coding method according to an aspect of the presentinvention is a moving picture coding method for coding a moving pictureusing a list having at least one entry including a motion vector, themethod including: determining whether or not (a) a picture including aco-located block and (b) a current picture to be coded are included in asame view, the co-located block being a block that is included in apicture different from the current picture and is at a positioncorresponding to a position of a current block to be coded included inthe current picture; adjusting the position of the co-located block whenthe picture including the co-located block and the current picture areincluded in different views; and adding to the list an entry including amotion vector derived from the co-located block, wherein the adjustingincludes: obtaining a disparity vector between the view including thepicture including the co-located block and the view including thecurrent picture; and adjusting the position of the co-located block bythe obtained disparity vector.

These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a system, adevice, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or acomputer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or any combinationof systems, devices, integrated circuits, computer programs, orcomputer-readable recording media.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

A moving picture coding method according to an aspect of the presentinvention makes it possible to increase coding efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram for illustrating inter prediction decoding of acurrent block to be decoded in H.264.

FIG. 2A is a table showing a reference picture list L0.

FIG. 2B is a table showing a reference picture list L1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for illustrating a correspondence relationshipbetween an index value and a picture number.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating information used in temporal directmode in H.264.

FIG. 5A is a diagram for illustrating scaling process in temporal directmode in H.264.

FIG. 5B is a diagram for illustrating scaling process in temporal directmode in H.264.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing equations for scaling process described inNPL 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating spatial direct mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating a relationship between a motionvector (estimation result), a motion vector predictor, and a motionvector difference.

FIG. 9A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a moving picturecoding apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a coding controlunit according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a moving picture coding method accordingto Embodiment 1.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for illustrating a concept of a motion vectorpredictor candidate list according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 12A is a table showing an exemplary motion vector predictorcandidate list according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 12B is a table showing an exemplary motion vector predictorcandidate list according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing positions of adjacent blocks and a positionof a co-located block.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for processing of generating a motion vectorpredictor candidate list according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for illustrating a co-located block in videosequences [s].

FIG. 16 is a diagram for illustrating adjustment of a position of aco-located block designated when an entry for co-located block is addedto a motion vector predictor candidate list according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for processing of adding motion data of aco-located block to a motion vector predictor candidate list accordingto Embodiment 1.

FIG. 18A is a table showing an exemplary motion vector predictorcandidate list when a position of a co-located block is adjustedaccording to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 18B is a table showing an exemplary motion vector predictorcandidate list when a position of a co-located block is adjustedaccording to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart for processing of determining a motion vectorpredictor according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for intra/inter coding according to Embodiment1.

FIG. 21A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a moving picturedecoding apparatus according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 21B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a decodingcontrol unit according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a moving picture decoding methodaccording to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for processing of generating a motion vectorpredictor candidate list according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart for processing of adding motion data of aco-located block to a motion vector predictor candidate list accordingto Embodiment 2.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing, in pseudo code, processing of addingmotion data of a co-located block to a motion vector predictor candidatelist according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an exemplary current picture to be coded.

FIG. 27 illustrates an overall configuration of a content providingsystem for implementing content distribution services.

FIG. 28 illustrates an overall configuration of a digital broadcastingsystem.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofa television.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofan information reproducing/recording unit that reads and writesinformation from and on a recording medium that is an optical disk.

FIG. 31 shows an example of a configuration of a recording medium thatis an optical disk.

FIG. 32A shows an example of a cellular phone.

FIG. 32B is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of thecellular phone.

FIG. 33 illustrates a structure of the multiplexed data.

FIG. 34 schematically illustrates how each of streams is multiplexed inmultiplexed data.

FIG. 35 illustrates how a video stream is stored in a stream of PESpackets in more detail.

FIG. 36 shows a structure of TS packets and source packets in themultiplexed data.

FIG. 37 illustrates a data structure of a PMT.

FIG. 38 illustrates an internal structure of multiplexed datainformation.

FIG. 39 shows an internal structure of stream attribute information.

FIG. 40 shows steps for identifying video data.

FIG. 41 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration ofan integrated circuit for implementing the moving picture coding methodand the moving picture decoding method according to each of Embodiments.

FIG. 42 shows a configuration for switching between driving frequencies.

FIG. 43 shows steps for identifying video data and switching betweendriving frequencies.

FIG. 44 shows an example of a look-up table in which standards of videodata are associated with the driving frequencies.

FIG. 45A shows an example of a configuration for sharing a module of asignal processing unit.

FIG. 45B shows another example of a configuration for sharing a moduleof a signal processing unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Underlying Knowledge Forming Basis of PresentInvention

In NPL 1, when a current block to be decoded is included in a B slice orthe like, the current block is decoded by inter prediction decodingusing, as reference pictures, two pictures different from a currentpicture to be decoded (a picture including the current block).

FIG. 1 is a diagram for illustrating two pictures referred to in interprediction decoding of a current block to be decoded. The numerals “300”to “304” shown in FIG. 1 each indicate a picture number (PicNum). InFIG. 1, pictures whose picture numbers are “300” to “304” are arrangedin ascending display order (PicOrderCnt).

A current block to be decoded (Curr_Blk) is included in a currentpicture to be decoded (CurrPic) having the picture number “302.” In thisexample, the current block is decoded by inter prediction using, asreference pictures, the picture having the picture number “301” andpreceding the current block in the display order, and the picture havingthe picture number “304” and following the current picture in thedisplay order.

Hereinafter, a starting point of an arrow indicates a position of apicture used in decoding (referring) (a picture to be decoded).Moreover, an end point of the arrow indicates a picture used fordecoding (referred to) (a reference picture).

Each of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B is a table showing a reference picture list.Specifically, FIG. 2A shows a reference picture list L0 (RefPicList0)for identifying the first reference picture. Moreover, FIG. 2B shows areference picture list L1 (RefPicList1) for identifying the secondreference picture.

Each of the reference picture lists is a list for identifying areference picture used for inter prediction of a current block to bedecoded, not with a picture number but with an index value having asmaller value than the picture number. In other words, it is determinedwhich picture in the reference picture list is used as a referencepicture for decoding of the current block by inter prediction, based onan index value in the reference picture list.

Each of the reference picture lists is initialized (generated) when a Bslice including the current block is decoded. In the initialization, thepicture numbers are arranged to allow different picture numbers tocorrespond to indexes having small values in the reference picture listL0 and the reference picture list L1.

In FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, each reference picture list is divided into thefirst part including the picture numbers smaller than the picture number“302” of the current picture, and the second part including the picturenumbers larger than the picture number “302.” In the reference picturelist L0, the first part and the second part are arranged in this order.Moreover, in the reference picture list L1, the first part and thesecond part are arranged in reverse order.

Here, the picture numbers are arranged in descending order (“301,”“300,” . . . ) in the first part. Moreover, the picture numbers arearranged in ascending order (“303,” “304,” . . . ) in the second part.

For instance, when the index value “0” is obtained by parsing abitstream, the following two pictures are determined as referencepictures to be used for inter prediction decoding of a current pictureto be decoded. The first picture is a picture having the picture number“301” identified by the index value “0” in the reference picture listL0. In addition, the second picture is a picture having the picturenumber “303” identified by the index value “0” in the reference picturelist L1.

Moreover, in the example shown in FIG. 1, “0” for identifying thepicture number “301” in the reference picture list L0 is assigned as avalue of the first index (refIdxL0). In addition, “1” for identifyingthe picture number “304” in the reference picture list L1 is assigned asa value of the second index (refIdxL1).

FIG. 3 is a diagram for illustrating a correspondence relationshipbetween an index value and a picture number. In FIG. 3, a picture havinga corresponding picture number goes away from the current picture(picNum=302) farther as an index value (a value of refIdxL0 and a valueof refIdxL1) increases.

In particular, in the reference picture list L1, picture numbers ofpictures (pictures that are decoded and stored in a memory) followingthe current picture (greater than PicOrderCnt (CurrPic)) are set tosmaller index values in descending order. Hereinafter, this setting ruleis referred to as Rule 1. According to Rule 1, a picture identified bythe index value “0” in the reference picture list L1 is the picturehaving the picture number 303 (RefPicList1[0]=303) in FIG. 3.

Moreover, methods for coding and decoding a motion vector (mvL0, mvL1)showing which block position in a reference picture identified using areference picture list is referred to have been examined in variousways. One of the methods is a method for directly deriving a motionvector from coded (decoded) data without using information from abitstream (H.264 direct mode). Another one of the methods is a methodfor deriving a motion vector predictor, obtaining a motion vectordifference from a bitstream, and deriving a motion vector using themotion vector predictor and the motion vector difference (mode throughH.264 motion vector predictor derivation) (see Equations (8-174),(8-175), and so on of NPL 1).

[(1) H.264 Direct Mode]

In H.264, there is a mode, called a direct mode, for deriving a motionvector for generating a prediction image (Sections 8.4.2.1, 3.45, and soon of NPL 1). The H.264 direct mode includes two modes, that is, atemporal direct mode and a spatial direct mode.

In the temporal direct mode (temporal mode), a result of scaling, at apredetermined rate, a motion vector (mvCol) of a co-located block(Col_Blk) that is a block which is spatially co-located with a currentblock to be decoded (but is included in a temporally different picture)is used.

In the spatial direct mode, information (hereinafter, referred to asmotion data) about a motion vector of a block which is not spatiallyco-located with a current block to be decoded (but is temporallyincluded in a picture of the same display time) is used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for illustrating information used in the temporaldirect mode.

In the temporal direct mode, first, motion data of Col_Blk is obtained.Col_Blk is a block included in the picture identified by the index value“0” in the reference picture list L1 and co-located with a current blockto be decoded. As shown in FIG. 4, in the reference picture list L1initialized based on above Rule 1, the picture identified by the indexvalue “0” is a picture most immediately following a current picture tobe decoded except when there is a special case where following picturesare not included in a picture memory.

Next, in the temporal direct mode, a motion vector of Curr_Blk isderived using the motion data of Col_Blk. The motion data includes thefollowing.

(i) Reference Picture (refIdxL0[Refidx]) Used for Inter Prediction ofCol_Blk

In FIG. 4, the picture having the picture number 301(RefPicList0[1]=301) is used as a reference picture of Col_Blk.

(ii) Motion Vector (mvL0Col) Used for Inter Prediction of Col_Blk

In FIG. 4, a dashed arrow in the picture having the picture number 301indicates the first motion vector (mvL0Col) used for inter prediction ofCol_Blk.

Each of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B is a diagram for illustrating a scalingprocess in the temporal direct mode. The scaling process is a process ofderiving mvL0 and mvL1 of Curr_Blk by scaling a value of mvL0Col using aratio between distances to a reference picture.

Specifically, FIG. 5A is a diagram for illustrating a referencestructure for a current block to be decoded and a co-located block, anda motion vector of the co-located block in a simplified manner.Moreover, FIG. 5B is a diagram for illustrating the concept of thescaling process.

To put it simply, the scaling process can be understood as a similaritybetween triangles ABC and DEF shown in FIG. 5B.

The triangle DEF is a triangle for Col_Blk. Point D indicates a positionof Col_Blk. Point E indicates a position corresponding to Col_Blk in areference picture. In addition, the point E also indicates a position ofa starting point of mvL0Col.

Point F indicates a position of an end point of mvL0Col.

The triangle ABC is a triangle for Curr_Blk. Point A indicates aposition of Curr_Blk. Point B indicates a position corresponding toCurr_Blk in a reference picture. In addition, the point B indicates aposition of a starting point of mvL0. Point C indicates a position of anend point of mvL0.

In the scaling process, first, a ratio of a relative distance (tx) froma picture including Col_Blk to a reference picture to a relativedistance (tb) from a picture including Curr_Blk to the reference pictureis derived as ScaleFactor in STEP 1. For instance, in FIG. 5B, a ratio(tb/tx=1/2=0.5) of tx (=303−301=2) to tb (=302-301=1) is derived as theScaleFactor. This ScaleFactor corresponds to a similarity ratio (1/2)between the triangles ABC and DEF.

Next, mvL0 is derived by multiplying mvL0Col and the derived ScaleFactortogether in STEP 2.

Lastly, mvL1 is derived by adding mvL0 derived in STEP 2 and a reversevector of mvL0Col in STEP 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing equations for scaling process described inNPL 1. The equations shown in FIG. 6 are described in the section8.4.1.2.3 “Derivation process for temporal direct luma motion vector andreference index prediction mode” of NPL 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating the spatial direct mode.

In the spatial direct mode, the above-mentioned motion data (motionvectors and reference indexes) is obtained from blocks (adjacent blocksA to D) adjacent to a current block to be decoded (Curr_Blk)

Among the obtained motion data, motion data (refIdxL0 and refIdxL1 andcorresponding mvL0 and mvL1) of a block having a natural number(minPositive value) including “0” that is smallest as a value of areference index (refIdxLXN) is directly used (Equations (8-186) and(8-187) of NPL 1). Specifically, refIdxL0 and refIdxL1 are derived bythe following equations, respectively.refIdxL0=MinPositive(refIdxL0A,MinPositive(refIdxL0B,refIdxL0C))  (8-186)refIdxL1=MinPositive(refIdxL1A,MinPositive(refIdxL1B,refIdxL1C))  (8-186)

In the spatial direct mode, the motion vector mvL0 or mvL1 is directlyused. In other words, the current block and the adjacent blocks areincluded in the same picture, and thus the scaling process for themotion vectors is unnecessary.

[(2) Mode Through H.264 Motion Vector Predictor Derivation]

FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating a relationship between a motionvector (estimation result) (mvLX), a motion vector predictor (mvpLX),and a motion vector difference (mvdLX).

In FIG. 8, mvLX represents a motion vector (estimation result) (v) usedfor inter prediction. Moreover, mvpLX represents a motion vectorpredictor (p) used for decoding of a motion vector. Furthermore, mvdLXrepresents a motion vector difference that is a vector differencebetween the motion vector (v) and the motion vector predictor (p). Atthe time of decoding, mvLX is derived for each of a horizontal componentand a vertical component, using mvpLX and mvdLX.Horizontal component:mvLX[0]=mvpLX[0]+mvdLX[0]Vertical component:mvLX[1]=mvpLX[1]+mvdLX[1]

In contrast, at the time of coding, optimal mvLX (mvLX[0], mvLX[1]) issearched for from a standpoint of coding efficiency, and each of thehorizontal component [0] and the vertical component [1] of mvdLX iscoded according to the search result.Horizontal component:mvdLX[0]=mvLX[0]−mvpLX[0]Vertical component:mvdLX[1]=mvLX[1]−mvpLX[0]

NPL 2 discloses a method for coding a motion vector using, as a motionvector predictor, a motion vector derived from a co-located block.

When the motion vector thus derived from the co-located block is usedfor coding a moving picture, there is a case where the coding efficiencydecreases when the co-located block is not set properly.

In view of this, a moving picture coding method according to an aspectof the present invention is a moving picture coding method for coding amoving picture using a list having at least one entry including a motionvector, the method including: determining whether or not (a) a pictureincluding a co-located block and (b) a current picture to be coded areincluded in a same view, the co-located block being a block that isincluded in a picture different from the current picture and is at aposition corresponding to a position of a current block to be codedincluded in the current picture; adjusting the position of theco-located block when the picture including the co-located block and thecurrent picture are included in different views; and adding to the listan entry including a motion vector derived from the co-located block,wherein the adjusting includes: obtaining a disparity vector between theview including the picture including the co-located block and the viewincluding the current picture; and adjusting the position of theco-located block by the obtained disparity vector.

With this, when the view including the picture including the co-locatedblock is different from the view including the current picture, it ispossible to adjust the position of the co-located block using thedisparity vector between the two views. In addition, it is possible toadd to the list the entry including the motion vector of the co-locatedblock having the adjusted position. Thus, it is possible to use a blockat a more appropriate position as the co-located block when the currentblock is decoded, which is expected to increase coding efficiency.

For example, in the adjusting, when the picture including the co-locatedblock and the current picture are included in the different views, andthe picture including the co-located block is identified by a firstentry of a reference picture list, the position of the co-located blockmay be adjusted.

With this, it is possible to adjust the position of the co-located blockwhen the picture including the co-located block is identified by thefirst entry of the reference picture list.

For example, the moving picture coding method may further include codinga motion vector of the current block using, as a motion vectorpredictor, a motion vector included in one of the at least one entry ofthe list.

With this, it is possible to code the motion vector of the current blockusing, as the motion vector predictor, the motion vector included in oneof the at least one entry of the list. As a result, it is possible toincrease the coding efficiency of the motion vector.

For example, the moving picture coding method may further includegenerating a prediction image of the current block using a motion vectorincluded in one of the at least one entry of the list.

With this, it is possible to generate the prediction image of thecurrent block using the motion vector included in one of the at leastone entry of the list. Thus, it is possible to increase accuracy ofpredicting a prediction image, and the coding efficiency.

For example, the moving picture coding method may further include:switching a coding process to either a first coding process compliantwith a first standard or a second coding process compliant with a secondstandard; and attaching to a bitstream identification informationindicating the first standard or the second standard with which thecoding process switched to is compliant, wherein when the coding processis switched to the first coding process, the determining, the adjusting,and the adding are performed as the first coding process.

With this, it is possible to switch between the first coding processcompliant with the first standard and the second coding processcompliant with the second standard.

Moreover, a moving picture decoding method according to another aspectof the present invention is a moving picture decoding method fordecoding a coded moving picture using a list having at least one entryincluding a motion vector, the method including: determining whether ornot (a) a picture including a co-located block and (b) a current pictureto be decoded are included in a same view, the co-located block being ablock that is included in a picture different from the current pictureand is at a position corresponding to a position of a current block tobe decoded included in the current picture; adjusting the position ofthe co-located block when the picture including the co-located block andthe current picture are included in different views; and adding to thelist an entry including a motion vector derived from the co-locatedblock, wherein the adjusting includes: obtaining a disparity vectorbetween the view including the picture including the co-located blockand the view including the current picture; and adjusting the positionof the co-located block by the obtained disparity vector.

With this, when the view including the picture including the co-locatedblock is different from the view including the current picture, it ispossible to adjust the position of the co-located block using thedisparity vector between the two views. In addition, it is possible toadd to the list the entry including the motion vector of the co-locatedblock having the adjusted position. Thus, it is possible to use a blockat a more appropriate position as the co-located block when the currentblock is decoded, which is expected to increase the coding efficiency.

For example, in the adjusting, when the picture including the co-locatedblock and the current picture are included in the different views, andthe picture including the co-located block is identified by a firstentry of a reference picture list, the position of the co-located blockmay be adjusted.

With this, it is possible to adjust the position of the co-located blockwhen the picture including the co-located block is identified by thefirst entry of the reference picture list.

For example, the moving picture decoding method may further includereconstructing a motion vector of the current block using, as a motionvector predictor, a motion vector included in one of the at least oneentry of the list.

With this, it is possible to reconstruct the motion vector of thecurrent block using, as the motion vector predictor, the motion vectorincluded in one of the at least one entry of the list. As a result, itis possible to increase the coding efficiency of the motion vector.

For example, the moving picture coding method may further includegenerating a prediction image of the current block using a motion vectorincluded in one of the at least one entry of the list.

With this, it is possible to generate the prediction image of thecurrent block using the motion vector included in one of the at leastone entry of the list. Thus, it is possible to increase accuracy ofpredicting a prediction image, and the coding efficiency.

For example, the moving picture decoding method may further includeswitching a decoding process to one of a first decoding processcompliant with a first standard and a second decoding process compliantwith a second standard, according to identification information attachedto a bitstream and indicating the one of the first standard and thesecond standard, wherein when the decoding process is switched to thefirst decoding process, the determining, the adjusting, and the addingmay be performed as the first decoding process.

With this, it is possible to switch between the first decoding processcompliant with the first standard and the second decoding processcompliant with the second standard.

These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a system, adevice, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or acomputer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or any combinationof systems, devices, integrated circuits, computer programs, orcomputer-readable recording media.

The following specifically describes embodiments with reference to thedrawings.

The embodiments described hereinafter indicate specific or genericexamples of the present invention. The values, shapes, materials,constituent elements, positions and connections of the constituentelements, steps, and orders of the steps indicated in the embodimentsare examples, and do not limit the claims. Furthermore, the constituentelements in the embodiments that are not described in independent claimsthat describe the most generic concept of the present invention aredescribed as arbitrary constituent elements.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 9A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a moving picturecoding apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. Here, the moving picturecoding apparatus 100 codes a multi-view moving picture using a motionvector predictor candidate list having at least one entry including amotion vector.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the moving picture coding apparatus 100 mainlyincludes a subtractor 111, a transform unit 112, a quantization unit113, an entropy coding unit 114, an inverse quantization unit 115, aninverse transform unit 116, an adder 117, a memory 118, and anintra/inter prediction unit 101. In addition, the moving picture codingapparatus 100 includes a coding control unit 102 which controls theseelements.

The moving picture coding apparatus 100 receives moving pictures of atleast one video sequence in sequence or in parallel, and outputs the atleast one video sequence as one coded bitstream.

The subtractor 111 outputs a residual signal that is a differencebetween an input image signal (a partial image signal) and a predictionimage signal (a derived partial prediction image signal) of a videosequence [s] at a time.

The transform unit 112 and the quantization unit 113 process (performfrequency transform and quantization on) the residual signal and outputthe quantized residual signal.

The entropy coding unit 114 performs entropy coding on the quantizedresidual signal and a decoding control signal, and outputs a codedbitstream.

The inverse quantization unit 115 and the inverse transform unit 116process (perform inverse quantization and inverse frequency transformon) the quantized residual signal, and output a reconstructed residualsignal.

The adder 117 adds the reconstructed residual signal and a predictionimage signal, and outputs a decoded image signal.

The intra/inter prediction unit 101 accumulates the decoded image signalon a predetermined unit basis (e.g., a frame or block) in the memory118. In addition, according to an instruction from the coding controlunit 102, the intra/inter prediction unit 101 generates a predictionimage signal (e.g., a pixel value derived based on a decoded imagesignal and a motion vector), and outputs the generated prediction imagesignal to the subtractor 111 and the adder 117.

The coding control unit 102 performs a trial to determine with whichcontrol parameter (this parameter corresponding to a decoding controlsignal) a picture is coded, and determines a control parameter accordingto the trial result. Then, the coding control unit 102 provides thedetermined control parameter to each processing unit (especially theintra/inter prediction unit 101) shown in FIG. 9A. The trial fordetermining a control parameter is performed using, for instance, Costfunction aiming at reducing a bit length of the coded bitstream(FeedBack) indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 9A. For example, thecoding control unit 102 determines a control parameter (e.g.,distinction between inter prediction and intra prediction) for codingimage data, extracts information (a decoding control signal) necessaryfor decoding, and outputs the information to the entropy coding unit114. The decoding control signal includes, for each slice, a predictiontype (pred_type), a motion vector predictor candidate designating index(mvp_idx_lX), and a motion vector difference (mvdLX), for instance.

In this embodiment, the coding control unit 102 receives sequencecharacteristic information corresponding to characteristics of areceived video signal sequence [s] (where s is greater than or equal to1).

FIG. 9B is a block diagram showing a configuration of the coding controlunit 102 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 9B, the codingcontrol unit 102 includes a determining unit 121, an adjusting unit 122,and an adding unit 125.

The determining unit 121 determines whether or not a picture including aco-located block and a current picture to be coded are included in thesame view. The co-located block is a block included in a picturedifferent from the current picture and located at a positioncorresponding to that of a current block to be coded. It is to be notedthat the position corresponding to the position of the current blockincludes not only the same position as the position of the current blockbut also a position near the position of the current block in thepicture different from the current picture.

When the picture including the co-located block and the current pictureare included in different views, the adjusting unit 122 adjusts aposition of the co-located block. To put it another way, the adjustingunit 122 adjusts the intra-picture position of the co-located block. Asshown in FIG. 9B, the adjusting unit 122 includes a disparity vectorobtaining unit 123 and a position adjusting unit 124.

The disparity vector obtaining unit 123 obtains a disparity vectorbetween the view including the picture including the co-located blockand the view including the current picture.

The position adjusting unit 124 adjusts the position of the co-locatedblock by the obtained disparity vector. Stated differently, the positionadjusting unit 124 adjusts an original position of the co-located blockby shifting the original position of the co-located block toward adirection indicated by the disparity vector by a distance indicated thedisparity vector.

The adding unit 125 adds to a list an entry including a motion vectorderived from the co-located block. In this embodiment, the adding unit125 adds, to a motion vector predictor candidate list, the entryincluding the motion vector derived from the co-located block as amotion vector predictor candidate.

It is to be noted that the adding unit 125 may add, to a merge candidatelist, an entry including a motion vector derived from a co-located blockand a reference picture index as a merge candidate. Here, the mergecandidate is a candidate of a set of a motion vector to be used forcoding a current block to be coded and a reference picture index.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a moving picture coding method accordingto Embodiment 1.

In step S210, the coding control unit 102 generates (derives) andoutputs a motion vector predictor candidate list (mvpListLX) per unit ofa prediction block (PU) including a current block to be coded (Curr_Blk)(mvpListLX generation step).

In step S230, the coding control unit 102 performs an update process ofmvpListLX and outputs mvpListLX (update step). The update process is aprocess of receiving mvpListLX, updating mvpListLX, and outputtingupdated mvpListLX. The update process is a process such as adding anentry, copying an entry from another list, and deleting an entry. Theupdate process complies with a rule implicitly shared with a decodingside. It is to be noted that the update process may not need to beperformed.

In step S240, the coding control unit 102 determines coding controlinformation including a value of mvp_idx_lX for each PU (determinationstep). In addition, the coding control unit 102 selects an entry from alist.

In step S250, the intra/inter prediction unit 101 generates a predictionimage of the current block based on the coding control information. Inthis embodiment, the entropy coding unit 114 further codes a motionvector of the current block using a motion vector (motion vectorpredictor) included in the entry selected from the list. Stateddifferently, the entropy coding unit 114 codes a difference between themotion vector predictor and the motion vector of the current block.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for illustrating a concept of a motion vectorpredictor candidate list. Specifically, FIG. 11 shows a relationshipbetween motion vector predictor candidates included in a motion vectorpredictor candidate list and a motion vector predictor selected from themotion vector predictor candidate list. This embodiment differs from thecase of the motion vector predictor in H.264 (FIG. 8) in that there isat least one motion vector predictor. Among the candidates, a vector(candidate) determined based on an index value of mvp_idx_lX is used asa motion vector predictor for coding a motion vector (estimationresult).

Each of FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B is a table showing an exemplary motionvector predictor candidate list according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 12A shows exemplary motion vector predictor candidates added(appended) in sequence to the list for prediction direction 0 output instep S210 (when a special case for video sequences to be described lateris excluded). An entry of a block A[i] among adjacent blocks A[0 . . .k] in a group of blocks N=A shown in FIG. 13 is added as a candidate [0]to the list. Moreover, an entry of a block B[i] among adjacent blocksB[0 . . . k] included in a group of blocks N=B shown in FIG. 13 is addedas a candidate [1] to the list. Furthermore, an entry of a co-locatedblock (Col_Blk) shown in FIG. 13 is added as a candidate [2] to thelist. Each of the entries includes the above-mentioned motion data (aset of a motion vector of a block and a reference picture index). It isto be noted that hereinafter, the group of blocks N=A adjacent to theleft side of Curr_Blk is referred to as a group of blocks A, and thegroup of blocks N=B adjacent to the upper side of Curr_Blk is referredto as a group of block B.

FIG. 12B shows exemplary motion vector predictor candidates added insequence to a list for prediction direction 1. Here, a case is describedwhere the group of blocks N=B is unavailable, for instance.

It is to be noted that although the motion vector predictor candidatelists are separated for each prediction direction in FIG. 12A and FIG.12B, both motion data for prediction direction 0 and motion data forprediction direction 1 may be merged in one list (in the case of a mergemode).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing positions of adjacent blocks and a positionof a co-located block. The group of blocks A (A0, A1) and the group ofblocks B (B0, B1, B2) are shown. In FIG. 13, Current PU indicates aprediction unit block (PU) including a current block to be coded.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for processing of generating a motion vectorpredictor candidate list. Specifically, FIG. 14 is a flow chart showingdetails of the process in step S210 shown in FIG. 10. Prior to thefollowing processes, the coding control unit 102 initializes a value ofeach of flags (availableFlagLXA, availableFlagLXB, and so on) to 0. Thecoding control unit 102 first generates the first candidate (entry) formvpListLX (S400). In step S400, the coding control unit 102 performs aprocess for deriving a candidate from the blocks A0 and A1 included inthe group of blocks A. It is to be noted that when intra prediction areused for both the blocks A0 and A1, there may be a case where thecandidate cannot be derived from the group of blocks A.

In more detail, in step S410, the coding control unit 102 searches thegroup of blocks A for a block having a motion vector available without ascaling process (scaling). The search is performed in order of A0 andA1. When succeeding in the search, the coding control unit 102 sets “1”to availableFlagLXA. In addition, the coding control unit 102 adds themotion vector of the searched block to mvpListLX.

In step S420, the coding control unit 102 determines whether or notavailableFlagLXA is “0” (whether or not the search in step S410 isfailed).

When availableFlagLXA is “0” (true in S420), the coding control unit 102searches the group of blocks A (A0, A1) for a block having an availablemotion vector in step S430. The search is performed in order of A0 andA1. When succeeding in the search, the coding control unit 102 performsthe scaling process on the motion vector of the searched block, and addsthe scaled motion vector to mvpListLX. The scaling process is a processof scaling up or down a motion vector. It is to be noted that theequations (8-130) to (8-134) or the like of NPL 2 can be used for thescaling process.

Next, the coding control unit 102 generates the second candidate formvpListLX (S500). In step S500, the coding control unit 102 performs aprocess for deriving a candidate from the group of blocks B (B0, B1,B2). It is to be noted that when intra prediction is used for all theblocks B0, B1, and B2, there may be a case where the candidate cannot bederived from the group of blocks B.

In more detail, in step S510, the coding control unit 102 searches thegroup of blocks B for a block having a motion vector available withoutthe scaling process. The search is performed in order of B0, B1, and B2.When succeeding in the search, the coding control unit 102 sets “1” toavailableFlagLXB. In addition, the coding control unit 102 adds themotion vector of the searched block to mvpListLX.

In step S520, the coding control unit 102 determines whether or notavailableFlagLXB is “0.”

When availableFlagLXB is “0” (true in S520), the coding control unit 102searches the group of blocks B (B0, B1, B2) for a block having anavailable motion vector in step S530. The search is performed in orderof B0, B1, and B2. When succeeding in the search, the coding controlunit 102 performs the scaling process on the motion vector of thesearched block, and adds the scaled motion vector to mvpListLX.

Finally, the coding control unit 102 performs a process on a co-locatedblock. In more detail, in step S600, the coding control unit 102 adds tomvpListLX a motion vector of the co-located block on which the scalingprocess is performed as necessary.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for illustrating a co-located block in videosequences [s].

In FIG. 15, the horizontal axis indicates image display timing (time),and the vertical axis indicates a number of a video sequence. Threemoving pictures having different views are shown as exemplary videosequences. The video sequences [s] shown in FIG. 9A correspond to a baseview 0, a non-base view 1, and a non-base view 2, respectively. As shownby the example in FIG. 15, each of the views includes pictures (imagesignals) P0 . . . P11.

A current block to be coded (Curr_Blk) is a block included in P8 at timet. The image signal P8 is included in the non-base view 2.

It is to be noted that black circles (x1, y1) shown in the pictures P5,P3, P8, and P11 in FIG. 15 indicate coordinates where relativecoordinate positions in the pictures are identical with each other. Whenthe pictures P5, P3, P8, and P11 have the same size, the coordinates ofthe black circles have the same values.

A disparity vector (disparity vector [t−1]) indicated by an arrow fromthe black circle (x1, y1) of the picture P5 at time t−1 to a whitecircle of the picture P3 is a coordinate transformation vector that ismost recent at the time of coding the current block. This coordinatetransformation vector is a vector that the coding apparatus obtains tomatch coordinates where reference objects are located between thenon-base view 2 and the base view 0. In this example, coordinates wherea corresponding one of the reference objects is located are displaced bya difference between the black circle and the white circle shown in thepicture P3, between the non-base view 2 and the base view 0.

On condition that the disparity vector can be extracted or derived inthe same manner on the decoding side, the disparity vector may be amotion vector obtained as a result of motion vector search up until thepoint when a current block to be coded is coded or may be previouslygiven as inter-sequence information. In addition, a disparity vectorcorresponding to a picture including a co-located block (Col_Blk) may beadded to a sequence parameter set (SPS), a picture parameter set (PPS),a slice header, or the like, and may be explicitly suggested to adecoding apparatus.

As described with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the conventionalconcept of co-located block is a block which is substantially co-locatedwith a current block (but is included in a picture that is different ina temporal direction). For instance, the co-located block of the currentblock is a block (Col_Blk) hatched in the picture P11.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for illustrating adjustment of a position of aco-located block designated when an entry for co-located block is addedto a motion vector predictor candidate list according to Embodiment 1.

This adjustment is applied when a picture of the initial (first) entryin a reference picture list (RefPicListLX) of a side that designates apicture including a co-located block is defined as a picture in a viewdifferent from a view including a current block to be coded. In thiscase, the position of the co-located block is adjusted using thedisparity vector (disparity vector [t−1]) that is already obtained atthe time of coding (already obtained at the time of decoding) thecurrent block and updated. Then, motion data of the block having theadjusted position is added as motion data of the co-located block to thelist. Here, the first entry is an entry having the smallest index valueamong entries held by the list. In the picture P6, a block (a hatchedregion in the figure) having a position offset from a point of (x1, y1)by an immediately previous disparity vector is used as the co-locatedblock.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for processing of adding motion data of aco-located block to a motion vector predictor candidate list accordingto Embodiment 1. Specifically, FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing detailsof the process in step S600 shown in FIG. 14.

In step S901, the determining unit 121 determines whether or not (a) apicture that is identified by an entry in a reference picture list andincludes a co-located block and (b) a current picture to be coded areincluded in the same view.

Here, the picture described in (a) is a pictureRefPicListL[1−collocated_direction flag][0]. When the reference picturelist L1 is used as in H.264, the picture is a picture RefPicListL1[0](the first entry). It is to be noted that although the picture includingthe co-located block is the picture RefPicListL[1-collocated_directionflag][0] in this embodiment, the present invention is not always limitedto this. For example, the picture including the co-located block may beRefPicListL[1-collocated_direction flag][colPic_idx]. In this case, theparameter (colPic_idx) makes it possible to specify which picture is tobe used as the picture including the co-located block. Moreover,colPic_idx may be added to a bitstream as header information such as anSPS, a PPS, and a slice header, and the picture including the co-locatedblock may be explicitly suggested to the decoding apparatus.

When the determination result in step S901 is true, a position of theco-located block is not adjusted as in the conventional manner.

When the determination result in step S901 is false, the disparityvector obtaining unit 123 obtains a disparity vector between a viewincluding the picture including the co-located block and a viewincluding the current picture (S903). Then, the position adjusting unit124 adjusts the position (co_located_block_position(x, y)) of theco-located block by the obtained disparity vector (S905).

Finally, the adding unit 125 adds to the motion vector predictorcandidate list motion data of the co-located block having the adjustedposition or the original position (S907).

Each of FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B is a table showing an exemplary motionvector predictor candidate list when a position of a co-located block isadjusted according to Embodiment 1. In other words, each of FIG. 18A andFIG. 18B shows a motion vector predictor candidate list generatedthrough the processing shown in FIG. 17. In comparison to the motionvector predictor candidate lists shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, aposition of a block added when N=Col is obtained by adapting a disparityvector between views.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart for processing of determining a motion vectorpredictor according to Embodiment 1. To put it another way, FIG. 19 is aflow chart for processing of determining a set of a value of mvp_idx_l0and a value of mvp_idx_l1. Specifically, FIG. 19 is a flow chart showingdetails of the process in step S240 shown in FIG. 10. In step S240, thecoding control unit 102 calculates coding efficiency of each set ofmotion vector predictor candidates. Then, the coding control unit 102verifies using which set of motion vector predictor candidates (for L0and L1) results in high coding efficiency for a motion vector(estimation result). Subsequently, the coding control unit 102determines the motion vector predictor candidate having the high codingefficiency as a motion vector predictor to be used for coding a motionvector. Consequently, one of the value of mvp_idx_l0 and the value ofmvp_idx_l1 to be used for coding the motion vector is determined.

Specifically, in step S301, the coding control unit 102 sets 0 tomvp_idx_l0. Moreover, the coding control unit 102 increments mvp_idx_l0by 1 after performing steps S302 to S308 to be described later. Thecoding control unit 102 repeatedly performs steps S302 to S308.

In step S302, the coding control unit 102 determines whether or notavailableFlagL0[mvp_idx_l0] is 1.

When availableFlagL0[mvp_idx_l0] is not 1 in step S302 (false in S302),the coding control unit 102 skips the processing to step S309.

In contrast, when availableFlagL0[mvp_idx_l0] is 1 in step S302 (true inS302), the coding control unit 102 moves the processing to step S303.

In step S303, the coding control unit 102 sets 0 to mvp_idx_l1.Moreover, the coding control unit 102 increments mvp_idx_l1 by 1 afterperforming steps S304 and S305 to be described later. The coding controlunit 102 repeatedly performs steps S304 and S305.

In step S304, the coding control unit 102 determines whether or notavailableFlagL1[mvp_idx_l1] is 1.

When availableFlagL1[mvp_idx_l1] is not 1 in step S304 (false in S304),the coding control unit 102 skips the processing to step S308.

In contrast, when availableFlagL1[mvp_idx_l1] is 1 in step S304 (true inS304), the coding control unit 102 moves the processing to step S305.

In step S305, the coding control unit 102 puts inter coding to trialusing a set of motion vector predictor candidates(mvpListL0[mvp_idx_l0], mvpListL1[mvp_idx_l1]) (hereinafter,appropriately referred to as a “set of current motion vector predictorcandidates”) indicated by a set of current motion vector predictorindexes (mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1).

In step S306, the coding control unit 102 compares coding efficiency ofa set of motion vector predictor candidates (mvpListL0[mvp_idx_l0],mvpListL1[mvp_idx_l1]) (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a “setof provisionally set motion vector predictor candidates”) indicated by avalue of a set of motion vector predictor indexes provisionally set asmvp_idx_lx with coding efficiency of the set of the current motionvector predictor candidates.

When the coding efficiency of the set of the provisionally set motionvector predictor candidates is higher than that of the set of thecurrent motion vector predictor candidates in step S306 (No in S306),the coding control unit 102 moves the processing to step S308.

In contrast, when the coding efficiency of the set of the current motionvector predictor candidates is higher than that of the set of theprovisionally set motion vector predictor candidates in step S306 (Yesin S306), the coding control unit 102 moves the processing to step S307and sets a value of current (mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1) to the set of themotion vector predictor indexes mvp_idx_lx (mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1). Itis to be noted that when a value is not set to the set of the motionvector predictor indexes mvp_idx_lx (mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1), a value ofcurrent (mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1) is set.

In step S308, the coding control unit 102 determines whether or notmvpListL1[mvp_idx_l1] is the last candidate in the candidate list(described as “mvp_idx_l1 completely finished?” in FIG. 19). Forinstance, in the case of the candidate list mvpListL1 shown in FIG. 18B,since a size of the candidate list is 2, it is determined that themvpListL1[mvp_idx_l1] is the last candidate when mvp_idx_l1==1(=candidate list size−1). When it is determined thatmvpListL1[mvp_idx_l1] is not the last candidate in the candidate list,the coding control unit 102 returns the processing to step S303 andincrements mvp_idx_l1 by 1 (S303).

In contrast, when it is determined that mvpListL1[mvp_idx_l1] is thelast candidate in the candidate list in step S308, the coding controlunit 102 moves the processing to step S309.

In step S309, the coding control unit 102 determines whether or notmvpListL0[mvp_idx_l0] is the last candidate in the candidate list(described as “mvp_idx_l0 completely finished?” in FIG. 19). Forexample, in the case of the candidate list mvpListL0 shown in FIG. 18A,since a size of the candidate list is 3, it is determined that themvpListL0[mvp_idx_l0] is the last candidate when mvp_idx_l0==2(=candidate list size−1). When it is determined thatmvpListL0[mvp_idx_l0] is not the last candidate in the candidate list,the coding control unit 102 returns the processing to step S301 andincrements mvp_idx_l0 by 1 (S301).

In contrast, when it is determined that mvpListL0[mvp_idx_l0] is thelast candidate in the candidate list in step S309, the coding controlunit 102 moves the processing to step S310.

In step S310, the coding control unit 102 determines mvp_idx_lx(mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1) as a set of motion vector predictor indexes.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for intra/inter coding according toEmbodiment 1. Specifically, FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing details ofthe process in step S250 shown in FIG. 10.

In step S252, the intra/inter prediction unit 101 generates a predictionimage of a current block to be coded using a motion vector (estimationresult) mvLX, and outputs a prediction image signal representing thegenerated prediction image. The subtractor 111 subtracts the predictionimage signal from an input image signal to generate a residual signal.The transform unit 112 transforms the residual signal from the imagedomain to the frequency domain. The quantization unit 113 quantizes theresidual signal which is transformed to the frequency domain, togenerate a quantized residual signal. The entropy coding unit 114 codesthe quantized residual signal.

In step S254, the entropy coding unit 114 codes a value of a motionvector predictor candidate designating index. In other words, theentropy coding unit 114 codes mvp_idx_lx (mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1).

In step S256, the entropy coding unit 114 codes a motion vectordifference mvdLX.

The entropy coding unit 114 generates and outputs a coded bitstreamincluding the coded quantized residual signal, the set of the motionvector predictor indexes mvp_idx_lx (mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1), and themotion vector difference mvdLX.

Effects of Embodiment 1

As described above, with the moving picture coding method according tothis embodiment, when the view including the picture including theco-located block is different from the view including the currentpicture, it is possible to adjust the intra-picture position of theco-located block using the disparity vector between the two views. Inaddition, it is possible to add to the list the entry including themotion vector of the co-located block having the adjusted position.Thus, although the views respectively including the two pictures aredifferent, the coding does not need to be performed using the motiondata of the block at the exact same position (the black circle in FIG.16). In other words, it is possible to use a block at a more appropriateposition as the co-located block when the current block is coded, whichis expected to increase the coding efficiency.

It is to be noted that although the adjustment of the position of theco-located block for the motion vector predictor candidate (motionvector predictor vector mode), the above-mentioned adjustment can bealso applied to a co-located block in the merge mode of HEVC. To put itanother way, the prediction image of the current block may be generatedusing the motion data of the co-located block having the adjustedposition.

It is to be noted that the moving picture coding apparatus 100 does notneed to include all the structural elements shown in FIG. 9A in thisembodiment. For instance, the moving picture coding apparatus 100 mayinclude only the structural elements shown in FIG. 9B. Stateddifferently, the moving picture coding method may include only the stepsshown in FIG. 17. Even in such a case, it is possible to use the blockat the more appropriate position as the co-located block, which isexpected to increase the coding efficiency.

Each of the structural elements in this embodiment may be configured inthe form of an exclusive hardware product, or may be realized byexecuting a software program suitable for the structural element. Eachof the structural elements may be realized by means of a programexecuting unit, such as a CPU and a processor, reading and executing thesoftware program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or asemiconductor memory. Here, the software program for realizing themoving picture coding apparatus or the like according to this embodimentis a program described below.

The program causes a computer to execute a moving picture coding methodfor coding a moving picture using a list having at least one entryincluding a motion vector, the method including: determining whether ornot (a) a picture including a co-located block and (b) a current pictureto be coded are included in a same view, the co-located block being ablock that is included in a picture different from the current pictureand is at a position corresponding to a position of a current block tobe coded included in the current picture; adjusting the position of theco-located block when the picture including the co-located block and thecurrent picture are included in different views; and adding to the listan entry including a motion vector derived from the co-located block,wherein the adjusting includes: obtaining a disparity vector between theview including the picture including the co-located block and the viewincluding the current picture; and adjusting the position of theco-located block by the obtained disparity vector.

Embodiment 2

Embodiment 2 describes a moving picture decoding apparatus 200 thatdecodes a coded bitstream output by the moving picture coding apparatus100 according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 21A is a block diagram showing a configuration of the movingpicture decoding apparatus 200 according to Embodiment 2.

The moving picture decoding apparatus 200 receives a coded bitstream andoutputs a decoded image signal in display order. Here, the movingpicture decoding apparatus 200 decodes a coded multi-view moving pictureusing a list having at least one entry including a motion vector.

As shown in FIG. 21A, the moving picture decoding apparatus 200 includesan entropy decoding unit 211, an inverse quantization unit 212, aninverse transform unit 213, an adder 214, a memory 215, an intra/interprediction unit 201, and a decoding control unit 202. In FIG. 21A, afunction of each of the units having the same names as those in themoving picture coding apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 9A corresponds to thefunction of each of the units in the moving picture coding apparatus 100shown in FIG. 9A.

The entropy decoding unit 211 receives a coded bitstream and outputs acoded residual signal and decoding control information, for instance.The decoding control information includes a motion vector predictorcandidate designating index mvp_idx_lx (mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1) and amotion vector difference mvdLX (mvdL0, mvdL1).

The inverse quantization unit 212 and the inverse transform unit 213process (perform inverse quantization and inverse frequency transformon) the quantized residual signal and output a reconstructed residualsignal to the adder 214.

The adder 214 adds the reconstructed residual signal and a predictionimage signal, and outputs a decoded image signal.

The decoding control unit 202 generates, using a method to be describedlater, the motion vector predictor candidate lists (mvpListL0 andmvpListL1) shown in FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B. The decoding control unit 202further selects, from each of the generated candidate lists, a motionvector predictor according to a motion vector predictor candidatedesignating index mvp_idx_lx (mvp_idx_l0, mvp_idx_l1). Then, thedecoding control unit 202 reconstructs a motion vector (estimationresult) using the motion vector predictor and the motion vectordifference mvdLX (mvdL0, mvdL1).

The intra/inter prediction unit 201 generates the prediction imagesignal from the decoded image signal using the reconstructed motionvector, and outputs the prediction image signal.

FIG. 21B is a block diagram showing a configuration of the decodingcontrol unit 202 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 21B, thedecoding control unit 202 includes a determining unit 221, an adjustingunit 222, and an adding unit 225.

As with the determining unit 121 in Embodiment 1, the determining unit221 determines whether or not a picture including a co-located block anda current picture to be decoded are included in the same view.

As with the adjusting unit 122 in Embodiment 1, when the pictureincluding the co-located block and the current picture are included indifferent views, the adjusting unit 222 adjusts a position of theco-located block. To put it another way, the adjusting unit 222 adjuststhe intra-picture position of the co-located block. As shown in FIG.21B, the adjusting unit 222 includes a disparity vector obtaining unit223 and a position adjusting unit 224.

As with the disparity vector obtaining unit 123 in Embodiment 1, thedisparity vector obtaining unit 223 obtains a disparity vector betweenthe view including the picture including the co-located block and theview including the current picture.

As with the adjusting unit 124 in Embodiment 1, the position adjustingunit 224 adjusts the position of the co-located block by the obtaineddisparity vector.

As with the adding unit 125 in Embodiment 1, the adding unit 225 adds toa list an entry including a motion vector derived from the co-locatedblock. In this embodiment, the adding unit 225 adds, to a motion vectorpredictor candidate list, the entry including the motion vector derivedfrom the co-located block as a motion vector predictor candidate.

It is to be noted that the adding unit 225 may add, to a merge candidatelist, an entry including a motion vector derived from a co-located blockand a reference picture index as a merge candidate.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a moving picture decoding methodaccording to Embodiment 2.

In step S1100, the decoding control unit 202 generates a motion vectorpredictor candidate list (mvpListLX). The process in step S1100corresponds to the process in step S210 on the coding side.

In step S1130, the decoding control unit 202 performs an update processof mvpListLX and outputs mvpListLX. The update process complies with arule implicitly shared with the coding side. It is to be noted that theupdate process may not need to be performed.

In step S1154, the entropy decoding unit 211 extracts a motion vectorpredictor candidate designating index (mvp_idx_lx) from a codedbitstream.

In step S1156, the entropy decoding unit 211 extracts a motion vectordifference (mvdLX) from the coded bitstream.

In step S1158, the decoding control unit 202 reconstructs a motionvector (mvLX). Specifically, the decoding control unit 202 adds themotion vector difference mvdLX and the motion vector predictormvpListLX[mvp_idx_lx] as shown below, to obtain the motion vector mvLX.mvLX=mvpListLX[mvp_idx_lx]+mvdLX

In step S1160, the intra/inter prediction unit 201 performs interprediction using the reconstructed motion vector, to generate aprediction image signal. Subsequently, the adding unit 214 adds theprediction image signal and a reconstructed residual signal to generatea decoded image signal.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for processing of generating a motion vectorpredictor candidate list according to Embodiment 2. Specifically, FIG.23 is a flow chart showing details of the process in step S1100 shown inFIG. 22.

In step S2301, the decoding control unit 202 searches a group of blocksA for a block having an available motion vector. The decoding controlunit 202 adds the motion vector of the searched block to mvpListLX. Itis to be noted that the process in step S2301 is the same as the processin step S400 shown in FIG. 14.

In step S2303, the decoding control unit 202 searches a group of blocksB for a block having an available motion vector. The decoding controlunit 202 adds the motion vector of the searched block to mvpListLX. Itis to be noted that the process in step S2301 is the same as the processin step S500 shown in FIG. 14.

Finally, in step S2305, the decoding control unit 202 adds to mvpListLXan entry including a motion vector of a co-located block that is amotion vector scaled as necessary. It is to be noted that the process instep S2305 is the same as the process in step S600 shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart for processing of adding motion data of aco-located block to a motion vector predictor candidate list accordingto Embodiment 2. Specifically, FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing detailsof the process in step S2305 shown in FIG. 23.

First, in step S2401, the determining unit 221 determines whether or not(a) a picture including a co-located block and (b) a picture (a currentpicture to be coded) including a current block to be coded are includedin the same view. In this embodiment, the determining unit 221determines whether or not (a) a picture that is identified by an entry 0(the first entry) in a reference picture list and includes a co-locatedblock and (b) the picture (the current picture) including the currentblock are included in the same view.

This determination is the same as the determination made in step S901.For instance, when a reference picture list for identifying the pictureincluding the co-located block is L1 (or determined by a flag), as shownin FIG. 2B, the picture including the co-located block is a picturehaving a picture number (picNum) indicated by RefPicListL1[0]. It is tobe noted that although the picture including the co-located block is thepicture RefPicListL[1−collocated_direction flag][0] in this embodiment,the present invention is not always limited to this. For example, thepicture including the co-located block may beRefPicListL[1-collocated_direction flag][colPic_idx]. In this case, itmay be determined which picture is used as the picture including theco-located block, by extracting a parameter (colPic_idx) added to abitstream as header information such as an SPS, a PPS, and a sliceheader.

Here, when the determination result in step S2401 is true (the twopictures are included in the same view (a case where there is only oneview is included)), the processing proceeds to step S2407.

In contrast, when the determination result in step S2401 is false (thetwo pictures are not included in the same view), the processing proceedsto step S2403.

As with step S903, in step S2403, the disparity vector obtaining unit223 obtains a disparity vector between the view (e.g., the base view 0in FIG. 16) including the picture including the co-located block and theview including a current block to be decoded (e.g., the non-base view 2in FIG. 16).

It is to be noted that as stated above, the disparity vector obtainingunit 223 may obtain a disparity vector resulting from statisticalprocessing of past disparity vectors near the current block or one ofthe latest disparity vectors, for instance. In addition, the disparityvector obtaining unit 223 may parse the SPS, the PPS, the slice header,or the like, to obtain, from the SPS, the PPS, the slicer header, or thelike, a disparity vector that corresponds to the picture including theco-located block.

Next, in step S2405, the position adjusting unit 124 adjusts a positionof the co-located block using the obtained disparity vector. The processin step S2405 corresponds to the process in step S905 shown in FIG. 17.

Finally, in step S2407, the adding unit 225 adds to the motion vectorpredictor candidate list motion data (a motion vector and a referencepicture index) of the co-located block having the adjusted position orthe original position as a value of an entry for co-located block(N=Col).

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing, in pseudo code, processing of addingmotion data of a co-located block to a motion vector predictor candidatelist according to Embodiment 2. In other words, FIG. 25 is obtained byrepresenting the flow chart shown in FIG. 24 in pseudo code.

The description in the first line indicates a process of setting apicture number of a picture including a block designated as a co-locatedblock to a value of colPic. co_located_l0_flag is a flag to which 1 isset when not a reference picture list L1 but a reference picture list L0is used to identify a picture including the co-located block.

The description in the second line indicates the determination processin step S2401 shown in FIG. 24. That is to say, the description in thesecond line indicates a process of determining whether (a) a viewincluding a picture of colPic and (b) a view including a current blockto be decoded (a picture of currPic) are different (not the same) or thesame.

The description in the third line indicates the processes in step S2401and step S2405 shown in FIG. 24. Namely, the description in the thirdline indicates a process of adjusting co_located_position, a position ofthe co-located block, using the latest disparity vector(disparity_vector) between the view including the picture of currPic andthe view including the picture of colPic when the determination resultis true (i.e., (a) the view including the picture of colPic and (b) theview including the picture of currPic are different).

The description in the fifth line indicates the process in step S2407shown in FIG. 24. That is to say, the description in the fifth lineindicates a process of adding to a motion vector predictor candidatelist motion data of a block at a position indicated byco-located_position in the picture of colPic.

As described above, with the moving picture decoding method according tothis embodiment, when the view including the picture including theco-located block is different from the view including the currentpicture, it is possible to adjust the intra-picture position of theco-located block using the disparity vector between the two views. Inaddition, it is possible to add to the list the entry including themotion vector of the co-located block having the adjusted position.Thus, it is possible to use a block at a more appropriate position asthe co-located block when the current block is decoded, which isexpected to increase the coding efficiency.

Moreover, since this method of adjusting a position of a co-locatedblock can be implicitly shared by the coding side and the decoding side,it is not necessary to add syntax. Thus, even when the syntax is notadded, it is possible to adjust the position of the co-located block,which is expected to increase accuracy of predicting a motion vectorpredictor using motion data of a co-located block.

It is to be noted that although the adjustment of the position of theco-located block for the motion vector predictor candidate (motionvector predictor vector mode), the above-mentioned adjustment can bealso applied to a co-located block in the merge mode of HEVC. In otherwords, the prediction image of the current block may be generated usingthe motion data of the co-located block having the adjusted position.

It is to be noted that the moving picture decoding apparatus 200 doesnot need to include all the structural elements shown in FIG. 21A inthis embodiment. For instance, the moving picture decoding apparatus 200may include only the structural elements shown in FIG. 21B. Stateddifferently, the moving picture decoding method may include only thesteps shown in FIG. 24. Even in such a case, it is possible to use theblock at the more appropriate position as the co-located block, which isexpected to increase the coding efficiency.

It is to be noted that the position of the co-located block does notneed to be exactly the same as that of the current block. For example,examples of the position of the co-located block include a positionalrelationship as shown in FIG. 26. In this embodiment, it is possible toincrease the coding efficiency by adjusting, using a disparity vector,any position that is used as a reference according to a difference intwo views.

Each of the structural elements in this embodiment may be configured inthe form of an exclusive hardware product, or may be realized byexecuting a software program suitable for the structural element. Eachof the structural elements may be realized by means of a programexecuting unit, such as a CPU and a processor, reading and executing thesoftware program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or asemiconductor memory. Here, the software program for realizing themoving picture decoding apparatus or the like according to thisembodiment is a program described below.

The program causes a computer to execute a moving picture decodingmethod for decoding a coded moving picture using a list having at leastone entry including a motion vector, the method including: determiningwhether or not (a) a picture including a co-located block and (b) acurrent picture to be decoded are included in a same view, theco-located block being a block that is included in a picture differentfrom the current picture and is at a position corresponding to aposition of a current block to be decoded included in the currentpicture; adjusting the position of the co-located block when the pictureincluding the co-located block and the current picture are included indifferent views; and adding to the list an entry including a motionvector derived from the co-located block, wherein the adjustingincludes: obtaining a disparity vector between the view including thepicture including the co-located block and the view including thecurrent picture; and adjusting the position of the co-located block bythe obtained disparity vector.

Although the moving picture coding apparatus and the moving picturedecoding apparatus according to one or more aspects have been describedabove based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited tothe embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, the aspects of the present invention may include anembodiment with some modifications on embodiments that are conceived bya person skilled in the art, and another embodiment obtained throughcombinations of the constituent elements of different embodiments.

For instance, although, in Embodiments 1 and 2, when adding to the entrythe motion vector derived from the spatially adjacent block (adjacentblock), the moving picture coding apparatus and the moving picturedecoding apparatus add the entry including the motion vector derivedfrom the block in the group of blocks A and the entry including themotion vector derived from the block in the group of blocks B in thisorder, it is not always necessary to add the entries in such order. Forexample, the moving picture coding apparatus and the moving picturedecoding apparatus may add entries without distinction between the groupof blocks A and the group of blocks B. Moreover, an entry includingmotion vectors respectively derived from three or more adjacent blocksmay be added to a list.

Furthermore, although each entry in the motion vector predictorcandidate list includes a reference picture index in Embodiments 1 and2, the entry may not need to include the reference picture index.

Embodiment 3

The processing described in each of Embodiments can be simplyimplemented in an independent computer system, by recording, in arecording medium, a program for implementing a configuration of themoving picture coding method (an image coding method) or the movingpicture decoding method (an image decoding method) described in each ofEmbodiments. The recording medium may be any as long as the program canbe recorded thereon, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, anoptical magnetic disk, an IC card, and a semiconductor memory.

Hereinafter, applications of the moving picture coding method (imagecoding method) and the moving picture decoding method (image decodingmethod) according to each of the embodiments, and a system using suchapplications will be described. The system features including an imagecoding apparatus using the image coding method, and an image coding anddecoding apparatus including an image decoding apparatus using the imagedecoding method. The other configurations of the system can beappropriately changed depending on a case.

FIG. 27 illustrates an overall configuration of a content providingsystem ex100 for implementing content distribution services. The areafor providing communication services is divided into cells of desiredsize, and base stations ex106 to ex110 which are fixed wireless stationsare placed in each of the cells.

The content providing system ex100 is connected to devices, such as acomputer ex111, a personal digital assistant (PDA) ex112, a cameraex113, a cellular phone ex114, and a game machine ex115, via an Internetex101, an Internet service provider ex102, a telephone network ex104, aswell as the base stations ex106 to ex110.

However, the configuration of the content providing system ex100 is notlimited to the configuration shown in FIG. 27, and a combination inwhich any of the elements are connected is acceptable. In addition, eachof the devices may be directly connected to the telephone network ex104,rather than via the base stations ex106 to ex110 which are the fixedwireless stations. Furthermore, the devices may be interconnected toeach other via a short distance wireless communication and others.

The camera ex113, such as a digital video camera, is capable ofcapturing moving images. A camera ex116, such as a digital video camera,is capable of capturing both still images and moving images.Furthermore, the cellular phone ex114 may be the one that meets any ofthe standards such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM),Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband-Code Division MultipleAccess (W-CDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and High Speed Packet Access(HSPA). Alternatively, the cellular phone ex114 may be a PersonalHandyphone System (PHS).

In the content providing system ex100, a streaming server ex103 isconnected to the camera ex113 and others via the telephone network ex104and the base station ex109, which enables distribution of a live showand others. In such a distribution, a content (for example, video of amusic live show) captured by the user using the camera ex113 is coded(that is, functions as the image coding apparatus according to an aspectof the present invention) as described above in each of the embodiments,and the coded content is transmitted to the streaming server ex103. Onthe other hand, the streaming server ex103 carries out streamdistribution of the received content data to the clients upon theirrequests. The clients include the computer ex111, the PDA ex112, thecamera ex113, the cellular phone ex114, and the game machine ex115 thatare capable of decoding the above-mentioned coded data. Each of thedevices that have received the distributed data decodes and reproducesthe coded data (that is, functions as the image decoding apparatusaccording to an aspect of the present invention).

The captured data may be coded by the camera ex113 or the streamingserver ex103 that transmits the data, or the coding processes may beshared between the camera ex113 and the streaming server ex103.Similarly, the distributed data may be decoded by the clients or thestreaming server ex103, or the decoding processes may be shared betweenthe clients and the streaming server ex103. Furthermore, the data of thestill images and the moving images captured by not only the camera ex113but also the camera ex116 may be transmitted to the streaming serverex103 through the computer ex111. The coding processes may be performedby the camera ex116, the computer ex111, or the streaming server ex103,or shared among them.

Furthermore, generally, the computer ex111 and an LSI ex500 included ineach of the devices perform such encoding and decoding processes. TheLSI ex500 may be configured of a single chip or a plurality of chips.Software for encoding and decoding moving pictures may be integratedinto some type of a recording medium (such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk,and a hard disk) that is readable by the computer ex111 and others, andthe encoding and decoding processes may be performed using the software.Furthermore, when the cellular phone ex114 is equipped with a camera,the video data obtained by the camera may be transmitted. The video datais data coded by the LSI ex500 included in the cellular phone ex114.

Furthermore, the streaming server ex103 may be composed of servers andcomputers, and may decentralize data and process the decentralized data,record, or distribute data.

As described above, the clients can receive and reproduce the coded datain the content providing system ex100. In other words, the clients canreceive and decode information transmitted by the user, and reproducethe decoded data in real time in the content providing system ex100, sothat the user who does not have any particular right and equipment canimplement personal broadcasting.

Aside from the example of the content providing system ex100, at leastone of the moving picture coding apparatus (the image coding apparatus)and the moving picture decoding apparatus (the image decoding apparatus)described in each of the embodiments may be implemented in a digitalbroadcasting system ex200 illustrated in FIG. 28. More specifically, abroadcast station ex201 communicates or transmits, via radio waves to abroadcast satellite ex202, multiplexed data obtained by multiplexing theaudio data onto the video data. The video data is data coded by themoving picture coding method described in each of the embodiments (thatis, data coded by the image coding apparatus according to an aspect ofthe present invention). Upon receipt of the video data, the broadcastsatellite ex202 transmits radio waves for broadcasting. Then, a home-useantenna ex204 capable of receiving a satellite broadcast receives theradio waves. A device such as a television (receiver) ex300 and a settop box (STB) ex217 decodes the received multiplexed data, andreproduces the decoded data (that is, functions as the image decodingapparatus according to an aspect of the present invention).

Furthermore, a reader/recorder ex218 that (i) reads and decodes themultiplexed data recorded on a recording media ex215, such as a DVD anda BD, or (ii) codes video signals in the recording medium ex215, and insome cases, writes data obtained by multiplexing an audio signal on thecoded data can include the moving picture decoding apparatus or themoving picture coding apparatus as shown in each of the embodiments. Inthis case, the reproduced video signals are displayed on the monitorex219, and another apparatus or system can reproduce the video signals,using the recording medium ex215 on which the multiplexed data isrecorded. Furthermore, it is also possible to implement the movingpicture decoding apparatus in the set top box ex217 connected to thecable ex203 for a cable television or the antenna ex204 for satelliteand/or terrestrial broadcasting, so as to display the video signals onthe monitor ex219 of the television ex300. The moving picture decodingapparatus may be included not in the set top box but in the televisionex300.

FIG. 29 illustrates the television (receiver) ex300 that uses the movingpicture coding method and the moving picture decoding method describedin each of Embodiments. The television ex300 includes: a tuner ex301that obtains or provides multiplexed data obtained by multiplexing theaudio data and the video data through the antenna ex204 or the cableex203, etc. that receives a broadcast; a modulation/demodulation unitex302 that demodulates the received multiplexed data or modulates datainto multiplexed data to be supplied outside; and amultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303 that demultiplexes the modulatedmultiplexed data into video data and audio data, or multiplexes thevideo data and audio data coded by the signal processing unit ex306 intodata.

The television ex300 further includes: a signal processing unit ex306including an audio signal processing unit ex304 and a video signalprocessing unit ex305 that decode audio data and video data and codeaudio data and video data, respectively (that function as the imagecoding apparatus and the image decoding apparatus, respectively,according to an aspect of the present invention); and an output unitex309 including a speaker ex307 that provides the decoded audio signal,and a display unit ex308 that displays the decoded video signal, such asa display. Furthermore, the television ex300 includes an interface unitex317 including an operation input unit ex312 that receives an input ofa user operation. Furthermore, the television ex300 includes a controlunit ex310 that controls overall each constituent element of thetelevision ex300, and a power supply circuit unit ex311 that suppliespower to each of the elements. Other than the operation input unitex312, the interface unit ex317 may include: a bridge ex313 that isconnected to an external device, such as the reader/recorder ex218; aslot unit ex314 for enabling attachment of the recording medium ex216,such as an SD card; a driver ex315 to be connected to an externalrecording medium, such as a hard disk; and a modem ex316 to be connectedto a telephone network. Here, the recording medium ex216 canelectrically record information using a non-volatile/volatilesemiconductor memory element for storage. The constituent elements ofthe television ex300 are connected to one another through a synchronousbus.

First, a configuration in which the television ex300 decodes themultiplexed data obtained from outside through the antenna ex204 andothers and reproduces the decoded data will be described. In thetelevision ex300, upon receipt of a user operation from a remotecontroller ex220 and others, the multiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303demultiplexes the multiplexed data demodulated by themodulation/demodulation unit ex302, under control of the control unitex310 including a CPU. Furthermore, the audio signal processing unitex304 decodes the demultiplexed audio data, and the video signalprocessing unit ex305 decodes the demultiplexed video data, using thedecoding method described in each of the embodiments, in the televisionex300. The output unit ex309 provides the decoded video signal and audiosignal outside. When the output unit ex309 provides the video signal andthe audio signal, the signals may be temporarily stored in buffers ex318and ex319, and others so that the signals are reproduced insynchronization with each other. Furthermore, the television ex300 mayread the multiplexed data not through a broadcast and others but fromthe recording media ex215 and ex216, such as a magnetic disk, an opticaldisc, and an SD card. Next, a configuration in which the televisionex300 codes an audio signal and a video signal, and transmits the dataoutside or writes the data on a recording medium will be described. Inthe television ex300, upon receipt of a user operation from the remotecontroller ex220 and others, the audio signal processing unit ex304codes an audio signal, and the video signal processing unit ex305 codesa video signal, under control of the control unit ex310 using the codingmethod as described in each of the embodiments. Themultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303 multiplexes the coded videosignal and audio signal, and provides the resulting signal outside. Whenthe multiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303 multiplexes the video signaland the audio signal, the signals may be temporarily stored in buffersex320 and ex321, and others so that the signals are reproduced insynchronization with each other. Here, the buffers ex318 to ex321 may beplural as illustrated, or at least one buffer may be shared in thetelevision ex300. Furthermore, data may be stored in a buffer other thanthe buffers ex318 to ex321 so that the system overflow and underflow maybe avoided between the modulation/demodulation unit ex302 and themultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex303, for example.

Furthermore, the television ex300 may include a configuration forreceiving an AV input from a microphone or a camera other than theconfiguration for obtaining audio and video data from a broadcast or arecording medium, and may code the obtained data. Although thetelevision ex300 can code, multiplex, and provide outside data in thedescription, it may be not capable of performing all the processes butcapable of only one of receiving, decoding, and providing outside data.

Furthermore, when the reader/recorder ex218 reads or writes themultiplexed data from or in a recording medium, one of the televisionex300 and the reader/recorder ex218 may decode or code the multiplexeddata, and the television ex300 and the reader/recorder ex218 may sharethe decoding or encoding.

As an example, FIG. 30 illustrates a configuration of an informationreproducing/recording unit ex400 when data is read or written from or onan optical disk. The information reproducing/recording unit ex400includes constituent elements ex401 to ex407 to be describedhereinafter. The optical head ex401 irradiates a laser spot on arecording surface of the recording medium ex215 that is an optical discto write information, and detects reflected light from the recordingsurface of the recording medium ex215 to read the information. Themodulation recording unit ex402 electrically drives a semiconductorlaser included in the optical head ex401, and modulates the laser lightaccording to recorded data. The reproduction demodulating unit ex403amplifies a reproduction signal obtained by electrically detecting thereflected light from the recording surface using a photo detectorincluded in the optical head ex401, and demodulates the reproductionsignal by separating a signal component recorded on the recording mediumex215 to reproduce the necessary information. The buffer ex404temporarily holds the information to be recorded on the recording mediumex215 and the information reproduced from the recording medium ex215. Adisk motor ex405 rotates the recording medium ex215. A servo controlunit ex406 moves the optical head ex401 to a predetermined informationtrack while controlling the rotation drive of the disk motor ex405 so asto follow the laser spot. The system control unit ex407 controls overallthe information reproducing/recording unit ex400. The reading andwriting processes can be implemented by the system control unit ex407using various information stored in the buffer ex404 and generating andadding new information as necessary, and by the modulation recordingunit ex402, the reproduction demodulating unit ex403, and the servocontrol unit ex406 that record and reproduce information through theoptical head ex401 while being operated in a coordinated manner. Thesystem control unit ex407 includes, for example, a microprocessor, andexecutes processing by causing a computer to execute a program for readand write.

Although the optical head ex401 irradiates a laser spot in thedescription, it may perform high-density recording using near fieldlight.

FIG. 31 illustrates the recording medium ex215 that is the optical disk.On the recording surface of the recording medium ex215, guide groovesare spirally formed, and an information track ex230 records, in advance,address information indicating an absolute position on the diskaccording to change in a shape of the guide grooves. The addressinformation includes information for determining positions of recordingblocks ex231 that are a unit for recording data. An apparatus thatrecords and reproduces data reproduces the information track ex230 andreads the address information so as to determine the positions of therecording blocks. Furthermore, the recording medium ex215 includes adata recording area ex233, an inner circumference area ex232, and anouter circumference area ex234. The data recording area ex233 is an areafor use in recording the user data. The inner circumference area ex232and the outer circumference area ex234 that are inside and outside ofthe data recording area ex233, respectively are for specific use exceptfor recording the user data. The information reproducing/recording unit400 reads and writes coded audio data, coded video data, or multiplexeddata obtained by multiplexing the coded audio data and the coded videodata, from and on the data recording area ex233 of the recording mediumex215.

Although an optical disc having a layer, such as a DVD and a BD isdescribed as an example in the description, the optical disc is notlimited to such, and may be an optical disc having a multilayerstructure and capable of being recorded on a part other than thesurface. Furthermore, the optical disc may have a structure formultidimensional recording/reproduction, such as recording ofinformation using light of colors with different wavelengths in the sameportion of the optical disc and recording information having differentlayers from various angles.

Furthermore, the car ex210 having the antenna ex205 can receive datafrom the satellite ex202 and others, and reproduce video on the displaydevice such as the car navigation system ex211 set in the car ex210, ina digital broadcasting system ex200. Here, a configuration of the carnavigation system ex212 will be a configuration, for example, includinga GPS receiving unit from the configuration illustrated in FIG. 29. Thesame will be true for the configuration of the computer ex111, thecellular phone ex114, and others.

FIG. 32A illustrates the cellular phone ex114 that uses the movingpicture coding method or the moving picture decoding method described inthe embodiments. The cellular phone ex114 includes: an antenna ex350 fortransmitting and receiving radio waves through the base station ex110; acamera unit ex365 capable of capturing moving and still images; and adisplay unit ex358 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying thedata such as decoded video captured by the camera unit ex365 or receivedby the antenna ex350. The cellular phone ex114 further includes: a mainbody unit including a set of operation keys ex366; an audio output unitex357 such as a speaker for output of audio; an audio input unit ex356such as a microphone for input of audio; a memory unit ex367 for storingcaptured video or still pictures, recorded audio, coded or decoded dataof the received video, the still images, e-mails, or others; and a slotunit ex364 that is an interface unit for a recording medium that storesdata in the same manner as the memory unit ex367.

Next, an example of a configuration of the cellular phone ex114 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 32B. In the cellular phone ex114, amain control unit ex360 designed to control overall each unit of themain body including the display unit ex358 as well as the operation keysex366 is connected mutually, via a synchronous bus ex370, to a powersupply circuit unit ex361, an operation input control unit ex362, avideo signal processing unit ex355, a camera interface unit ex363, aliquid crystal display (LCD) control unit ex359, amodulation/demodulation unit ex352, a multiplexing/demultiplexing unitex353, an audio signal processing unit ex354, the slot unit ex364, andthe memory unit ex367.

When a call-end key or a power key is turned ON by a user's operation,the power supply circuit unit ex361 supplies the respective units withpower from a battery pack so as to activate the cell phone ex114.

In the cellular phone ex114, the audio signal processing unit ex354converts the audio signals collected by the audio input unit ex356 invoice conversation mode into digital audio signals under the control ofthe main control unit ex360 including a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Then, themodulation/demodulation unit ex352 performs spread spectrum processingon the digital audio signals, and the transmitting and receiving unitex351 performs digital-to-analog conversion and frequency conversion onthe data, so as to transmit the resulting data via the antenna ex350.Then, the modulation/demodulation unit ex352 performs inverse spreadspectrum processing on the data, and the audio signal processing unitex354 converts it into analog audio signals, so as to output them viathe audio output unit ex357.

Furthermore, when an e-mail in data communication mode is transmitted,text data of the e-mail inputted by operating the operation keys ex366and others of the main body is sent out to the main control unit ex360via the operation input control unit ex362. The main control unit ex360causes the modulation/demodulation unit ex352 to perform spread spectrumprocessing on the text data, and the transmitting and receiving unitex351 performs the digital-to-analog conversion and the frequencyconversion on the resulting data to transmit the data to the basestation ex110 via the antenna ex350. When an e-mail is received,processing that is approximately inverse to the processing fortransmitting an e-mail is performed on the received data, and theresulting data is provided to the display unit ex358.

When video, still images, or video and audio are transmitted in datacommunication mode, the video signal processing unit ex355 compressesand codes video signals supplied from the camera unit ex365 using themoving picture coding method shown in each of the embodiments (that is,functions as the image coding apparatus according to an aspect of thepresent invention), and transmits the coded video data to themultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex353. In contrast, while the cameraunit ex365 is capturing video, still images, and others, the audiosignal processing unit ex354 codes audio signals collected by the audioinput unit ex356, and transmits the coded audio data to themultiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex353.

The multiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex353 multiplexes the coded videodata supplied from the video signal processing unit ex355 and the codedaudio data supplied from the audio signal processing unit ex354, using apredetermined method. Then, the modulation/demodulation unit(modulation/demodulation circuit unit) ex352 performs spread spectrumprocessing on the multiplexed data, and the transmitting and receivingunit ex351 performs digital-to-analog conversion and frequencyconversion on the data so as to transmit the resulting data via theantenna ex350.

When receiving data of a video file which is linked to a Web page andothers in data communication mode or when receiving an e-mail with videoand/or audio attached, in order to decode the multiplexed data receivedvia the antenna ex350, the multiplexing/demultiplexing unit ex353demultiplexes the multiplexed data into a video data bit stream and anaudio data bit stream, and supplies the video signal processing unitex355 with the coded video data and the audio signal processing unitex354 with the coded audio data, through the synchronous bus ex370. Thevideo signal processing unit ex355 decodes the video signal using amoving picture decoding method corresponding to the moving picturecoding method shown in each of Embodiments (that is, functions as theimage decoding apparatus according to an aspect of the presentinvention), and then the display unit ex358 displays, for instance, thevideo and still images included in the video file linked to the Web pagevia the LCD control unit ex359. Furthermore, the audio signal processingunit ex354 decodes the audio signal, and the audio output unit ex357provides the audio.

Furthermore, similarly to the television ex300, it is possible for aterminal such as the cellular phone ex114 probably to have three typesof implementation configurations including not only (i) a transmittingand receiving terminal including both a coding apparatus and a decodingapparatus, but also (ii) a transmitting terminal including only a codingapparatus and (iii) a receiving terminal including only a decodingapparatus. Although the digital broadcasting system ex200 receives andtransmits the multiplexed data obtained by multiplexing audio data ontovideo data in the description, the multiplexed data may be data obtainedby multiplexing not audio data but character data related to video ontovideo data, and may be not multiplexed data but video data itself.

As such, the moving picture coding method or the moving picture decodingmethod in each of the embodiments can be used in any of the devices andsystems described above. Thus, the advantages described in each of theembodiment can be obtained.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to Embodiments, andvarious modifications and revisions are possible without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

Embodiment 4

Video data can be generated by switching, as necessary, between (i) themoving picture coding method or the moving picture coding apparatusshown in each of Embodiments and (ii) a moving picture coding method ora moving picture coding apparatus in conformity with a differentstandard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG4-AVC, and VC-1.

Here, when a plurality of video data that conforms to the differentstandards is generated and is then decoded, the decoding methods need tobe selected to conform to the different standards. However, since thestandard to which each of the plurality of the video data to be decodedconforms cannot be detected, there is a problem that an appropriatedecoding method cannot be selected.

In order to solve the problem, multiplexed data obtained by multiplexingaudio data and others onto video data has a structure includingidentification information indicating to which standard the video dataconforms. The specific structure of the multiplexed data including thevideo data generated in the moving picture coding method or by themoving picture coding apparatus shown in each of Embodiments will behereinafter described. The multiplexed data is a digital stream in theMPEG-2 Transport Stream format.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a structure of multiplexed data. Asillustrated in FIG. 33, the multiplexed data can be obtained bymultiplexing at least one of a video stream, an audio stream, apresentation graphics stream (PG), and an interactive graphics stream.The video stream represents primary video and secondary video of amovie, the audio stream (IG) represents a primary audio part and asecondary audio part to be mixed with the primary audio part, and thepresentation graphics stream represents subtitles of a movie. Here, theprimary video is normal video to be displayed on a screen, and thesecondary video is video to be displayed on a smaller window in the mainvideo. Furthermore, the interactive graphics stream represents aninteractive screen to be generated by arranging the GUI components on ascreen. The video stream is coded in the moving picture coding method orby the moving picture coding apparatus shown in each of the embodiments,or in a moving picture coding method or by a moving picture codingapparatus in conformity with a conventional standard, such as MPEG-2,MPEG4-AVC, and VC-1. The audio stream is coded in accordance with astandard, such as Dolby-AC-3, Dolby Digital Plus, MLP, DTS, DTS-HD, andlinear PCM.

Each stream included in the multiplexed data is identified by PID. Forexample, 0x1011 is allocated to the video stream to be used for video ofa movie, 0x1100 to 0x111F are allocated to the audio streams, 0x1200 to0x121F are allocated to the presentation graphics streams, 0x1400 to0x141F are allocated to the interactive graphics streams, 0x1B00 to0x1B1F are allocated to the video streams to be used for secondary videoof the movie, and 0x1A00 to 0x1A1F are allocated to the audio streams tobe used for the secondary video to be mixed with the primary audio.

FIG. 34 schematically illustrates how data is multiplexed. First, avideo stream ex235 composed of video frames and an audio stream ex238composed of audio frames are transformed into a stream of PES packetsex236 and a stream of PES packets ex239, and further into TS packetsex237 and TS packets ex240, respectively. Similarly, data of apresentation graphics stream ex241 and data of an interactive graphicsstream ex244 are transformed into a stream of PES packets ex242 and astream of PES packets ex245, and further into TS packets ex243 and TSpackets ex246, respectively. These TS packets are multiplexed into astream to obtain multiplexed data ex247.

FIG. 35 illustrates how a video stream is stored in a stream of PESpackets in more detail. The first bar in FIG. 35 shows a video framestream in a video stream. The second bar shows the stream of PESpackets. As indicated by arrows denoted as yy1, yy3, yy3, and yy5 inFIG. 35, the video stream is divided into pictures as I-pictures,B-pictures, and P-pictures each of which is a video presentation unit,and the pictures are stored in a payload of each of the PES packets.Each of the PES packets has a PES header, and the PES header stores aPresentation Time-Stamp (PTS) indicating a display time of the picture,and a Decoding Time-Stamp (DTS) indicating a decoding time of thepicture.

FIG. 36 illustrates a format of TS packets to be finally written on themultiplexed data. Each of the TS packets is a 188-byte fixed lengthpacket including a 4-byte TS header having information, such as a PIDfor identifying a stream and a 184-byte TS payload for storing data. ThePES packets are divided, and stored in the TS payloads. When a BD ROM isused, each of the TS packets is given a 4-byte TP_Extra_Header, thusresulting in 192-byte source packets. The source packets are written onthe multiplexed data. The TP_Extra_Header stores information such as anArrival_Time_Stamp (ATS). The ATS shows a transfer start time at whicheach of the TS packets is to be transferred to a PID filter. The sourcepackets are arranged in the multiplexed data as shown at the bottom ofFIG. 36. The numbers incrementing from the head of the multiplexed dataare called source packet numbers (SPNs).

Each of the TS packets included in the multiplexed data includes notonly streams of audio, video, subtitles and others, but also a ProgramAssociation Table (PAT), a Program Map Table (PMT), and a Program ClockReference (PCR). The PAT shows what a PID in a PMT used in themultiplexed data indicates, and a PID of the PAT itself is registered aszero. The PMT stores PIDs of the streams of video, audio, subtitles andothers included in the multiplexed data, and attribute information ofthe streams corresponding to the PIDs. The PMT also has variousdescriptors relating to the multiplexed data. The descriptors haveinformation such as copy control information showing whether copying ofthe multiplexed data is permitted or not. The PCR stores STC timeinformation corresponding to an ATS showing when the PCR packet istransferred to a decoder, in order to achieve synchronization between anArrival Time Clock (ATC) that is a time axis of ATSs, and an System TimeClock (STC) that is a time axis of PTSs and DTSs.

FIG. 37 illustrates the data structure of the PMT in detail. A PMTheader is disposed at the top of the PMT. The PMT header describes thelength of data included in the PMT and others. A plurality ofdescriptors relating to the multiplexed data is disposed after the PMTheader. Information such as the copy control information is described inthe descriptors. After the descriptors, a plurality of pieces of streaminformation relating to the streams included in the multiplexed data isdisposed. Each piece of stream information includes stream descriptorseach describing information, such as a stream type for identifying acompression codec of a stream, a stream PID, and stream attributeinformation (such as a frame rate or an aspect ratio). The streamdescriptors are equal in number to the number of streams in themultiplexed data.

When the multiplexed data is recorded on a recording medium and others,it is recorded together with multiplexed data information files.

Each of the multiplexed data information files is management informationof the multiplexed data as shown in FIG. 38. The multiplexed datainformation files are in one to one correspondence with the multiplexeddata, and each of the files includes multiplexed data information,stream attribute information, and an entry map.

As illustrated in FIG. 38, the multiplexed data includes a system rate,a reproduction start time, and a reproduction end time. The system rateindicates the maximum transfer rate at which a system target decoder tobe described later transfers the multiplexed data to a PID filter. Theintervals of the ATSs included in the multiplexed data are set to nothigher than a system rate. The reproduction start time indicates a PTSin a video frame at the head of the multiplexed data. An interval of oneframe is added to a PTS in a video frame at the end of the multiplexeddata, and the PTS is set to the reproduction end time.

As shown in FIG. 39, a piece of attribute information is registered inthe stream attribute information, for each PID of each stream includedin the multiplexed data. Each piece of attribute information hasdifferent information depending on whether the corresponding stream is avideo stream, an audio stream, a presentation graphics stream, or aninteractive graphics stream. Each piece of video stream attributeinformation carries information including what kind of compression codecis used for compressing the video stream, and the resolution, aspectratio and frame rate of the pieces of picture data that is included inthe video stream. Each piece of audio stream attribute informationcarries information including what kind of compression codec is used forcompressing the audio stream, how many channels are included in theaudio stream, which language the audio stream supports, and how high thesampling frequency is. The video stream attribute information and theaudio stream attribute information are used for initialization of adecoder before the player plays back the information.

In this embodiment, the multiplexed data to be used is of a stream typeincluded in the PMT. Furthermore, when the multiplexed data is recordedon a recording medium, the video stream attribute information includedin the multiplexed data information is used. More specifically, themoving picture coding method or the moving picture coding apparatusdescribed in each of the embodiments includes a step or a unit forallocating unique information indicating video data generated by themoving picture coding method or the moving picture coding apparatus ineach of the embodiments, to the stream type included in the PMT or thevideo stream attribute information. With the structure, the video datagenerated by the moving picture coding method or the moving picturecoding apparatus described in each of the embodiments can bedistinguished from video data that conforms to another standard.

Furthermore, FIG. 40 illustrates steps of the moving picture decodingmethod according to this embodiment. In Step exS100, the stream typeincluded in the PMT or the video stream attribute information isobtained from the multiplexed data. Next, in Step exS101, it isdetermined whether or not the stream type or the video stream attributeinformation indicates that the multiplexed data is generated by themoving picture coding method or the moving picture coding apparatus ineach of the embodiments. When it is determined that the stream type orthe video stream attribute information indicates that the multiplexeddata is generated by the moving picture coding method or the movingpicture coding apparatus in each of the embodiments, in Step exS102, thestream type or the video stream attribute information is decoded by themoving picture decoding method in each of the embodiments. Furthermore,when the stream type or the video stream attribute information indicatesconformance to the conventional standards, such as MPEG-2, MPEG4-AVC,and VC-1, in Step exS103, the stream type or the video stream attributeinformation is decoded by a moving picture decoding method in conformitywith the conventional standards.

As such, allocating a new unique value to the stream type or the videostream attribute information enables determination whether or not themoving picture decoding method or the moving picture decoding apparatusthat is described in each of the embodiments can perform decoding. Evenupon an input of multiplexed data that conforms to a different standard,an appropriate decoding method or apparatus can be selected. Thus, itbecomes possible to decode information without any error. Furthermore,the moving picture coding method or apparatus or the moving picturedecoding method or apparatus in this embodiment can be used in any ofthe devices and systems described above.

Embodiment 5

Each of the moving picture coding method, the moving picture codingapparatus, the moving picture decoding method, and the moving picturedecoding apparatus in each of the embodiments is typically achieved inthe form of an integrated circuit or a Large Scale Integrated (LSI)circuit. As an example of the LSI, FIG. 41 illustrates a configurationof the LSI ex500 that is made into one chip. The LSI ex500 includeselements ex501, ex502, ex503, ex504, ex505, ex506, ex507, ex508, andex509 to be described below, and the elements are connected to eachother through a bus ex510. The power supply circuit unit ex505 isactivated by supplying each of the elements with power when the powersupply circuit unit ex505 is turned on.

For example, when coding is performed, the LSI ex500 receives an AVsignal from a microphone ex117, a camera ex113, and others through an AVIO ex509 under control of a control unit ex501 including a CPU ex502, amemory controller ex503, a stream controller ex504, and a drivingfrequency control unit ex512. The received AV signal is temporarilystored in an external memory ex511, such as an SDRAM. Under control ofthe control unit ex501, the stored data is segmented into data portionsaccording to the processing amount and speed to be transmitted to asignal processing unit ex507. Then, the signal processing unit ex507codes an audio signal and/or a video signal. Here, the coding of thevideo signal is the coding described in each of the embodiments.Furthermore, the signal processing unit ex507 sometimes multiplexes thecoded audio data and the coded video data, and a stream IO ex506provides the multiplexed data outside. The provided multiplexed data istransmitted to the base station ex107, or written on the recording mediaex215. When data sets are multiplexed, the data sets should betemporarily stored in the buffer ex508 so that the data sets aresynchronized with each other.

Although the memory ex511 is an element outside the LSI ex500, it may beincluded in the LSI ex500. The buffer ex508 is not limited to onebuffer, but may be composed of buffers. Furthermore, the LSI ex500 maybe made into one chip or a plurality of chips.

Furthermore, although the control unit ex501 includes the CPU ex502, thememory controller ex503, the stream controller ex504, the drivingfrequency control unit ex512, the configuration of the control unitex501 is not limited to such. For example, the signal processing unitex507 may further include a CPU. Inclusion of another CPU in the signalprocessing unit ex507 can improve the processing speed. Furthermore, asanother example, the CPU ex502 may include the signal processing unitex507, or an audio signal processing unit that is a part of the signalprocessing unit ex507. In such a case, the control unit ex501 includesthe signal processing unit ex507 or the CPU ex502 including a part ofthe signal processing unit ex507.

The name used here is LSI, but it may also be called IC, system LSI,super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

Moreover, ways to achieve integration are not limited to the LSI, and aspecial circuit or a general purpose processor and so forth can alsoachieve the integration. Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that canbe programmed after manufacturing LSIs or a reconfigurable processorthat allows re-configuration of the connection or configuration of anLSI can be used for the same purpose.

In the future, with advancement in semiconductor technology, a brand-newtechnology may replace LSI. The functional blocks can be integratedusing such a technology. The possibility is that the present inventionis applied to biotechnology.

Embodiment 6

When video data generated by the moving picture coding method or by themoving picture coding apparatus described in each of the embodiments isdecoded, it is possible for the processing amount to increase comparedto when video data that conforms to a conventional standard, such asMPEG-2, MPEG4-AVC, and VC-1 is decoded. Thus, the LSI ex500 needs to beset to a driving frequency higher than that of the CPU ex502 to be usedwhen video data in conformity with the conventional standard is decoded.However, when the driving frequency is set higher, there is a problemthat the power consumption increases.

In order to solve the problem, the moving picture decoding apparatus,such as the television ex300 and the LSI ex500 is configured todetermine to which standard the video data conforms, and switch betweenthe driving frequencies according to the determined standard. FIG. 42illustrates a configuration ex800 in this embodiment. A drivingfrequency switching unit ex803 sets a driving frequency to a higherdriving frequency when video data is generated by the moving picturecoding method or the moving picture coding apparatus described in eachof the embodiments. Then, the driving frequency switching unit ex803instructs a decoding processing unit ex801 that executes the movingpicture decoding method described in each of the embodiments to decodethe video data. When the video data conforms to the conventionalstandard, the driving frequency switching unit ex803 sets a drivingfrequency to a lower driving frequency than that of the video datagenerated by the moving picture coding method or the moving picturecoding apparatus described in each of the embodiments. Then, the drivingfrequency switching unit ex803 instructs the decoding processing unitex802 that conforms to the conventional standard to decode the videodata.

More specifically, the driving frequency switching unit ex804 includesthe CPU ex512 and the driving frequency control unit ex512 in FIG. 41.Here, each of the decoding processing unit ex801 that executes themoving picture decoding method described in each of the embodiments andthe decoding processing unit ex802 that conforms to the conventionalstandard corresponds to the signal processing unit ex507 in FIG. 41. TheCPU ex502 determines to which standard the video data conforms. Then,the driving frequency control unit ex512 determines a driving frequencybased on a signal from the CPU ex502. Furthermore, the signal processingunit ex507 decodes the video data based on a signal from the CPU ex502.For example, the identification information described in Embodiment 4 isprobably used for identifying the video data. The identificationinformation is not limited to the one described in Embodiment 4 but maybe any information as long as the information indicates to whichstandard the video data conforms. For example, when which standard videodata conforms to can be determined based on an external signal fordetermining that the video data is used for a television or a disk,etc., the determination may be made based on such an external signal.Furthermore, the CPU ex502 selects a driving frequency based on, forexample, a look-up table in which the standards of the video data areassociated with the driving frequencies as shown in FIG. 44. The drivingfrequency can be selected by storing the look-up table in the bufferex508 and an internal memory of an LSI, and with reference to thelook-up table by the CPU ex502.

FIG. 43 illustrates steps for executing a method in this embodiment.First, in Step exS200, the signal processing unit ex507 obtainsidentification information from the multiplexed data. Next, in StepexS201, the CPU ex502 determines whether or not the video data isgenerated based on the identification information by the coding methodand the coding apparatus described in each of the embodiments. When thevideo data is generated by the coding method or the coding apparatusdescribed in each of the embodiments, in Step exS202, the CPU ex502transmits a signal for setting the driving frequency to a higher drivingfrequency to the driving frequency control unit ex512. Then, the drivingfrequency control unit ex512 sets the driving frequency to the higherdriving frequency. On the other hand, when the identificationinformation indicates that the video data conforms to the conventionalstandard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG4-AVC, and VC-1, in Step exS203, the CPUex502 transmits a signal for setting the driving frequency to a lowerdriving frequency to the driving frequency control unit ex512. Then, thedriving frequency control unit ex512 sets the driving frequency to thelower driving frequency than that in the case where the video data isgenerated by the coding method or the coding apparatus described in eachof the embodiments.

Furthermore, along with the switching of the driving frequencies, thepower conservation effect can be improved by changing the voltage to beapplied to the LSI ex500 or an apparatus including the LSI ex500. Forexample, when the driving frequency is set lower, the voltage to beapplied to the LSI ex500 or the apparatus including the LSI ex500 isprobably set to a voltage lower than that in the case where the drivingfrequency is set higher.

Furthermore, when the computing amount for decoding is larger, thedriving frequency may be set higher, and when the computing amount fordecoding is smaller, the driving frequency may be set lower as themethod for setting the driving frequency. Thus, the setting method isnot limited to the ones described above. For example, when the computingamount for decoding video data in conformity with MPEG4-AVC is largerthan the computing amount for decoding video data generated by themoving picture coding method or the moving picture coding apparatusdescribed in each of the embodiments, the driving frequency is probablyset in reverse order to the setting described above.

Furthermore, the method for setting the driving frequency is not limitedto the method for setting the driving frequency lower. For example, whenthe identification information indicates that the video data isgenerated by the moving picture coding method or the moving picturecoding apparatus described in each of the embodiments, the voltage to beapplied to the LSI ex500 or the apparatus including the LSI ex500 isprobably set higher. When the identification information indicates thatthe video data conforms to the conventional standard, such as MPEG-2,MPEG4-AVC, and VC-1, the voltage to be applied to the LSI ex500 or theapparatus including the LSI ex500 is probably set lower. As anotherexample, when the identification information indicates that the videodata is generated by the moving picture coding method or the videocoding apparatus described in each of the embodiments, the driving ofthe CPU ex502 does not probably have to be suspended. When theidentification information indicates that the video data conforms to theconventional standard, such as MPEG-2, MPEG4-AVC, and VC-1, the drivingof the CPU ex502 is probably suspended at a given time because the CPUex502 has extra processing capacity. Even when the identificationinformation indicates that the video data is generated by the movingpicture coding method or the moving picture coding apparatus describedin each of the embodiments, in the case where the CPU ex502 has extraprocessing capacity, the driving of the CPU ex502 is probably suspendedat a given time. In such a case, the suspending time is probably setshorter than that in the case where when the identification informationindicates that the video data conforms to the conventional standard,such as MPEG-2, MPEG4-AVC, and VC-1.

Accordingly, the power conservation effect can be improved by switchingbetween the driving frequencies in accordance with the standard to whichthe video data conforms. Furthermore, when the LSI ex500 or theapparatus including the LSI ex500 is driven using a battery, the batterylife can be extended with the power conservation effect.

Embodiment 7

There are cases where a plurality of video data that conforms todifferent standards, is provided to the devices and systems, such as atelevision and a cellular phone. In order to enable decoding theplurality of video data that conforms to the different standards, thesignal processing unit ex507 of the LSI ex500 needs to conform to thedifferent standards. However, the problems of increase in the scale ofthe circuit of the LSI ex500 and increase in the cost arise with theindividual use of the signal processing units ex507 that conform to therespective standards.

In order to solve the problems, what is conceived is a configuration inwhich the decoding processing unit for implementing the moving picturedecoding method described in each of the embodiments and the decodingprocessing unit that conforms to the conventional standard, such asMPEG-2, MPEG4-AVC, and VC-1 are partly shared. ex900 in FIG. 45A showsan example of the configuration. For example, the moving picturedecoding method described in each of the embodiments and the movingpicture decoding method that conforms to MPEG4-AVC have, partly incommon, the details of processing, such as entropy coding, inversequantization, deblocking filtering, and motion compensation. The detailsof processing to be shared probably include use of a decoding processingunit ex902 that conforms to MPEG4-AVC. In contrast, a dedicated decodingprocessing unit ex901 is probably used for other processing which isunique to the present invention and does not conform to MPEG-4 AVC. Thedecoding processing unit for implementing the moving picture decodingmethod described in each of the embodiments may be shared for theprocessing to be shared, and a dedicated decoding processing unit may beused for processing unique to that of MPEG4-AVC.

Furthermore, ex1000 in FIG. 45B shows another example in that processingis partly shared. This example uses a configuration including adedicated decoding processing unit ex1001 that supports the processingunique to an aspect of the present invention, a dedicated decodingprocessing unit ex1002 that supports the processing unique to anotherconventional standard, and a decoding processing unit ex1003 thatsupports processing to be shared between the moving picture decodingmethod according to the aspect of the present invention and theconventional moving picture decoding method. Here, the dedicateddecoding processing units ex1001 and ex1002 are not necessarilyspecialized for the processing of the aspect of the present inventionand the processing of the conventional standard, respectively, and maybe the ones capable of implementing general processing. Furthermore, theconfiguration of this embodiment can be implemented by the LSI ex500.

As such, reducing the scale of the circuit of an LSI and reducing thecost are possible by sharing the decoding processing unit for theprocessing to be shared between the moving picture decoding methodaccording to the aspect of the present invention and the moving picturedecoding method in conformity with the conventional standard.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A moving picture coding apparatus and a moving picture decodingapparatus according to an aspect of the present invention can be appliedto a television receiver, a digital video recorder, car navigation, acellular phone, a digital camera, and a digital video camera, forinstance.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   100 Moving picture coding apparatus    -   101, 201 Intra/inter prediction unit    -   102 Coding control unit    -   111 Subtractor    -   112 Transform unit    -   113 Quantization unit    -   114 Entropy coding unit    -   115, 212 Inverse quantization unit    -   116, 213 Inverse transform unit    -   117, 214 Adder    -   118, 215 Memory    -   121, 221 Determining unit    -   122, 222 Adjusting unit    -   123, 223 Disparity vector obtaining unit    -   124, 224 Position adjusting unit    -   125, 225 Adding unit    -   200 Moving picture decoding apparatus    -   202 Decoding control unit    -   211 Entropy decoding unit

The invention claimed is:
 1. A moving picture coding method for coding acurrent picture using a list including at least one motion vector, themethod comprising: determining whether or not a first picture includinga co-located block and the current picture are included in a same view,the co-located block being included in the first picture different fromthe current picture and is at a first position corresponding to a secondposition of the current block included in the current picture; when afirst view including the first picture and a current view including thecurrent picture are different from each other, adjusting the firstposition of the co-located block to a third position; and adding, to thelist, a motion vector derived from the co-located block at the thirdposition, and when the first view and the current view are same, adding,to the list, a motion vector derived from the co-located block at thefirst position; selecting a motion vector from the list; and coding thecurrent block using the selected motion vector, wherein the adjustingincludes: obtaining a disparity vector between the first view and thecurrent view; and moving the first position of the co-located block in adirection indicated by the obtained disparity vector, and by a distanceindicated by the obtained disparity vector, to adjust the first positionto the third position.
 2. A moving picture decoding method for decodinga current picture using a list including at least one motion vector, themethod comprising: determining whether or not a first picture includinga co-located block and the current picture are included in a same view,the co-located block being included in the first picture different fromthe current picture and is at a first position corresponding to a secondposition of the current block included in the current picture; when afirst view including the first picture and a current view including thecurrent picture are different from each other, adjusting the firstposition of the co-located block to a third position; and adding, to thelist, a motion vector derived from the co-located block at the thirdposition, and when the first view and the current view are same, adding,to the list, a motion vector derived from the co-located block at thefirst position; selecting a motion vector from the list; and coding thecurrent block using the selected motion vector, wherein the adjustingincludes: obtaining a disparity vector between the first view and thecurrent view; and moving the first position of the co-located block in adirection indicated by the obtained disparity vector, and by a distanceindicated by the obtained disparity vector, to adjust the first positionto the third position.